The cervix is the opening to the uterus, located in the upper end of the vagina. Women can develop cervical cancer after contracting a sexually transmitted virus such as the human papillomavirus. The virus can change the cells in the cervix and cause the cancer. Women who have multiple sexual partners, have a weakened immune system or who smoke cigarettes have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and bloody or watery discharge. Treatment options for cervical cancer depend on the severity and grading of the condition.
Cell Removal
Several treatment options exist for women with early stages of cervical cancer. A loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP, removes the abnormal cells from the cervix. Cryotherapy freezes cancer cells, and laser therapy uses a beam of light to burn off the tissue. A surgeon may perform a cone biopsy to remove cancerous tissue from the cervix with a scalpel.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medications to stop the growth of malignant cells in the cervix. Drugs injected into the bloodstream help kill the cancer cells and work to prevent the cells from dividing further. Chemotherapy drugs used for treating cervical cancer include cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, ifsfamide and 5-FU, notes MedlinePlus. Using a combination of chemotherapy drugs or using the drugs along with other therapies may be more effective in killing the cancer. Common side effects of these medications include fatigue, gastrointestinal distress and hair loss.
Surgery
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and cervix. The ovaries remain in the woman with this operation. This surgery works best for cervical cancer that's contained in the cervix. A more extensive surgery called a radical hysterectomy also removes the tissues surrounding the cervix, lymph nodes and a portion of the vagina. For advanced stages of cervical cancer, the surgeon removes all pelvic organs including reproductive organs, the bladder and the rectum.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses an external beam of energy to kill cancer cells in the cervix, or the physician places radioactive material directly next to the cervix. Advanced forms of cervical cancer may require a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, according to MayoClinic.com. Common side effects related to radiation therapy include gastrointestinal distress, a narrowing of the vagina and diarrhea.
